Psoriasis
Conditions
Keywords
Online social network, Psoriasis, Filipino
Brief summary
With the rise of usage of the internet, online social networks have recently been gaining popularity. Joining these groups can be beneficial to patients with chronic medical illness, such as psoriasis.This was a cross-sectional online survey of psoriasis patients in the Philippines who are members of online support groups. The survey was conducted for a period of three months.The purpose of the research project was to describe the demographics, disease characteristics, activities and benefits of online support groups to Filipino patients with psoriasis. The extent to which members experience empowering processes and outcomes was also evaluated.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALOnline support group
Joining online support group
Sponsors
Philippine Dermatological Society
University of the Philippines
Study design
Observational model
ECOLOGIC_OR_COMMUNITY
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* diagnosis of psoriasis * individuals who are willing to complete the online survey * proficiency in English * membership in an online psoriasis support network
Exclusion criteria
* nonmembers * unwilling to participate in the study
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Demographic profile of online support users | 3 months | The sociodemographic profile of the respondents such as age (mean, range), sex, civil status, level of formal education, employment status were described. |
| Disease characteristics of online support users | 3 months | The overall health status (poor, average, good), psoriasis severity (mild, moderate, severe), duration of illness of online support groups were evaluated. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Activities performed and extent of participation of online support users | 3 months | Participants were also asked regarding their attitudes and experiences with online communities, length of use, log-on frequency and nature of online activities. |
| Empowering processes and outcomes experienced by online support group members | 3 months | The frequency with which empowering processes (exchange information, find recognition, share experiences, encounter emotional support, help others) occurred were measured on a 3-point scale (1-seldom to never, 2-sometimes, 3-often). The outcomes experienced (are better informed, feel more confident in relationship with physician, have improved acceptance, feel more confident with treatment, have enhanced social well-being, have increased optimism and control over the future, have enhanced self-esteem) were assessed on a 3-point scale (1-disagree, 2-neither agree nor disagree, 3-agree). |
| Correlation of variables | 3 months | Intervariable correlation (overall health status/psoriasis severity with frequency/duration of usage, educational level/employment status with frequency of usage) were also be assessed for significance. |
Outcome results
None listed